Obituaries - Mary Smth, Mary Williams, Morris Sandefur

Mary Catherine Smith, age 97, of Clewiston, passed away May 27, 2020 in Clewiston. She was born June 6, 1922 in Waycross, GA, to the late Samuel and the late Jessie (Johnson) Palmer. She graduated from Waycross High School in Waycross, Georgia. 

She attended Calvary Baptist Church in Clewiston for many years. She worked as tour guide for United States Sugar Corporation for many years. She married Roy Bradley Smith on December 23, 1945. 

Survivors include one daughter: Trudie (Billy) Willis, granddaughter, Jennifer Whirls; Grandson, Casey Willis; many nieces and nephews. Mary Catherine was preceded in death by her husband; Roy B. Smith who passed on December 23, 2003; sisters and brothers; Paul and Joe Palmer, Doris Waldron and Mamie Solomon. 

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2020 – due to Covid-19 limitations, the service will be limited to 10 people in attendance at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Graveside arrangements are being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – Clewiston.

Mary Nadine Williams November 4, 1931 – May 22, 2020 Also know to many as Dean, Mrs. Dean and Mama Dean The doors of heaven were gloriously opened for Mary Nadine Williams of LaBelle on May 22, 2020. 

She was born on November 4, 1931, in Athens, AL, to the late Lucious York and the late Annie Pearl Robertson-York. She was preceded in death by her husband Jessie James Williams, her son Mark Williams, her two brothers Marshall and Nelson York, and her sister Annie Lou Ridgeway. She is survived by her two sons, Ricky Williams (Susan) and Gary Williams (Rose); her daughter-in-law, Diane Williams; her sister, Louise Hurn; her half-sister, Caralyn Rose; her half-brothers, Wayne and Dayle Ridgeway; her nine grandchildren: Angela Taylor, Doug Williams, Garrett Williams, Joy Williams-Barde, Jenna von Frantzius, Jinger Geisler, Crystal Corbitt, Lisa Chapman, and Brian Williams; and 25 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). 

Mrs. Dean was a beautiful soul inside and out. She was an excellent seamstress, a true home cook, and a dedicated prayer warrior, but her passion was teaching children to read. She spent decades as a kindergarten teacher and principal (1985-2004) at the Community Christian School of Labelle. Her love of teaching went beyond academics as it was always her priority to instill a love for Lord and scripture in each of her students. 

One of her favorite Bible verses was Hebrews 11:6 which says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." In the classroom, Mrs. Dean exercised her faith and sought God as she patiently taught countless children to read. But more importantly, she shared the gospel message of salvation with every student that graced her classroom. 

Now that she is in heaven, the time has come for her diligence to be rewarded. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy will live on through all the lives she has touched. 

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, a private graveside service was held at Ortona Cemetery on Thursday, May 28, 2020 with Pastor James Hunt officiating. Interment followed in Ortona Cemetery, Moore Haven. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – LaBelle.

Morris M Sandefur, Jr, age 76, of LaBelle, passed away May 20, 2020 in LaBelle. He was born Nov. 26, 1943 in Mishawaka, IN, to the late Morris M and Freeda Arbell Slater Sandefur Sr. 

He retired as a Technician in a Carpet Manufacturing Co. 

Survivors include his wife: Elizabeth (McDaniel) Sandefur two sons: David and Morris three daughters: Shirley, Martha and Barbara, four brothers: Carl, Glen, Cecil and Larry two sisters: Barbara and Janice 12 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren, Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.